I may be a little too obsessed with foundations. I own several and am constantly trying new ones as they hit the market. I had a late start learning to love the face base as in high school and most of college I exclusively wore powder, convinced liquid foundations were nothing but thick, cake-y gunk. Oh, how wrong I was. I finally started wearing liquids when I realized I had dry skin and my powders were only making my skin issues more apparent. I've tried many formulas in the years since, and here are the ones that have stuck.
Let's start with the OG, the one that started it all, Chanel's Vitalumière Moisture-Rich Radiance Sunscreen Fluid Foundation SPF 15. I discovered this foundation when watching a video on Lisa Eldridge's page. Lisa was doing Alexa Chung's makeup and noted this foundation was especially good for dry skin. Having never tried liquid foundation, I figured if it were good enough for Lisa and Alexa, it sure as hell was good enough for me. I wear the lightest shade in the range, 07 Ivorie. It is actually still a touch too dark for me, so I often mix it with something else to lighten it. I love this foundation for it's lightweight yet rich texture, hydrating feel, and oddly enough - it's fragrance. Added fragrance has become a bit of a taboo in the beauty industry but I can't help but adore the scent of this foundation - it's fresh and, for me, nostalgic. More than anything this foundation has some serious moisturizing power. It never fully "sets" on my skin and remains tacky, which I can see being a problem for some, but I find it makes me feel fresh, never dry. The glow is also real, friends. I can admit I find myself reaching for this formula less often lately simply because the color match isn't very on point, and I can't be bothered to custom mix it all the time. Because lazy.
Both the MAC Waterweight and the Glossier Skin Tint are my go-to picks when I want minimal coverage. They are less foundations than they are tints (duh) and both give a subtle wash of color. The MAC has slightly stronger coverage and a glow-ier look. The Glossier is perfect to even out skin tone while still leaving your skin looking as you're wearing nothing at all. It also makes a great base or primer for other foundations. Obviously, if you're prone to troubled skin and prefer more coverage, these two might not be ideal for you. I have worked very hard to take are of my skin and get to a point where I can wear minimal foundation and not be self conscious, so these two are perfect for those "good skin" days when I just want to even out my tone and not "cover".
When I want a bit more coverage, I reach for either the Bare Minerals Bare Pro foundation, or my newest addition, the Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting foundation. Both are great, build-able bases. They start as sheer-to-medium, but can easily be layered for fuller coverage. The Bare Minerals formula is described as having a matte finish, but I can say as it wears throughout the day it goes (for me at least) more satin. I am not a big matte makeup fan, but this is my favorite foundation for long days as it wears fantastically well and actually looks better the longer its on my face. It's matte, but not powdery/flat matte, which I appreciate. I am pretty in love with the Clinique foundation, tbh. It feels hydrating going on, the coverage is great for days when I feel I need a bit more, but the overall finish is super dewy and glow-y. I've been reaching for it a lot lately.
Lastly are my two favorites. If you told me I could only use one foundation for the rest of my life, it would be one of these two. Just don't ask me which one, because I can't choose! First is the PUR-LISSE BB Tinted Moist Cream SPF 30. I probably use this foundation more than any other. Not only does the foundation look beautiful on, but it actually helps my skin. The foundation features chamomile and artemisia, which soothe skin. Any time I see redness, I will use this BB cream. It's sheer, so I can still see redness immediately after application, but by the time I finish the rest of my makeup the redness will have completely disappeared. The formula isn't as long wearing as others, but I cannot get enough of how radiant it makes my skin look, as well as how calming it it. Plus, anything with an SPF is great for everyday wear. The shade range leaves a bit to be desired, but recently the brand added three more colors, so that's great news for anyone looking to try. Finally, the SURRAT Surreal Skin Foundation Wand. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? So very yes. I've been wearing shade 4, but I think come winter when I'm paler than the freshly fallen snow I'll have to get a lighter shade. The formula of this foundation is hard to accurately describe. It is lightweight, radiant, and build-able but it is so much more than that. This foundation provides coverage while leaving your skin looking like skin. The fact the foundation comes with a built in brush that actually works as well as my Artis brush is a delightful bonus which translates to this also being a great travel or on-the-go foundation. Winner winner chicken dinner.
What foundation can you not live without?
xx,
Claire